Beaches were crowded on New Year’s Day with Westbrook Beach earning the title of most densely populated beach of the day.
“The beach was full beyond capacity,” said Specialised Rescue Unit’s Quentin Power.
“Emergency personnel were on high alert and traffic police had their hands full controlling traffic heavy with pedestrians in and out of busy beach areas,” said Power.
A near drowning in the tidal pool in Ballito near Hawkings Road car park saw Clarke Bay lifeguards spring into action, pulling a distressed bather out of the water.
The victim, a young woman, was conscious but had taken in a lot of water.
“It is unclear what caused the near drowning but I could see waves washing over her before she went under,” said Power.
The attending lifeguard sustained lacerations to his feet and legs and was attended to by Netcare 911.
“There were lots of other cases where lifeguards, rescue personnel and the public assisted bathers who got into trouble in the water,” said Power.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
